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Thursday, June 23
PRESS RELEASE
Walker Valley and Chattanooga Collegiate Cyclone Brandon Turner was named to the 2005 Collegiate Baseball and Louisville Slugger TPX High School All-American team on Friday, June 17, 2005. Turner currently leads the Collegiate Cyclones in setting batting average, stolen bases and rbis. He has signed to play at Mississippi State and is the 2005 recipient of the Wirt Gammon Sr. award for outstanding achievement in baseball.
Monday, June 6
Press Release
Monday, June 27
RULES
Things are going to change at practice and in games. To help motivate you to actually execute the fundamentals of baseball and to perform as a team, new rules effective immediately are set out below. If you were capable of motivating yourselves, these rules wouldnt be necessary, so you have no one to blame but yourselves for their necessity. Any 18 who is in town on Tuesday is expected at practice with the 17s.
Practice Rules:
1. You miss a practice for any reason other than illness or a death in family, you sit 2 games or if you are a pitcher you miss an appearance.
2. Once you arrive at practice, you run everywhere you go-if you walk anywhere, you run the rest of the practice.
3. We practice at game speed. Anyone not practicing at game speed runs the rest of the practice. This means no jogging for balls in the outfield - sprint for them!
4. Position Players - If you miss a bunt, dont expect the hit n run or get the runner in from 3rd or you pull a ball foul on your swings - 2 poles for each transgression. You miss a cut off man or dont get into proper position to receive a cutoff-2 poles .
5. Pitchers: If you miss a spot with your fast ball in your bullpen- 1 pole. If you throw a wild pitch in a bullpen - 2 poles.
6. Catchers: If you miss a good pitch or fail to block a blockable pitch - 2 poles.
Game Rules:
1. You dont get up to meet a player who has executed or just scored - 2 poles for you; one for everyone else.
2. You miss a bunt, hit n run or fail to score a runner from 3rd with less than 2 outs - 3 poles for you; 1 for all the other position players.
3. You miss a cutoff man or fail to cover a base or fail to get into proper position to receive a cutoff throw- 5 poles for you; 3 for all the other position players.
4. If a pitcher walks a hitter-2 poles for you; 1 for all the other pitchers. If a pitcher gives up a hit on a 0-2 or 1-2 : 2 poles for the pitcher and one for all other pitchers.
5. If a catcher doesnt catch a catchable ball or doesnt block a blockable ball, 3 poles for the catcher and 1 pole for the other catchers.
6. You miss a game without prior notice or a serious illness, or a death in the family- you either sit out all the games at the next tournament (you must be present), run 10 poles for every game for the rest of the season, or you are dismissed from the team. Your choice.
These rules will be enforced strictly. Anyone not complying or anyone complaining will be dismissed immediately from the team. These will be the Fall rules from Day 1.
Thursday, July 14
17u DISMISSAL
17u DISMISSAL
We have dismissed one player from the 17u team for playing for another team during our off-week after he was instructed not to do so. Why? We schedule off weeks for a reason. It is especially important for those who play in the Fall to take advantage of these. Secondly, and more importantly, several years ago, I allowed one of our players to play during an off-week with another team. He got hurt playing for the other team and missed ½ of the season and that injury ultimately led to the end of his career. Thirdly, we are not a pick-upteam. We realize there other are teams from this area which have a different roster at virtually every tournament including players from outside their own organization. We play our Fall and Summer players only with rare exceptions. Fourthly, we cannot monitor pitch counts and where you play after you pitch when you are with other teams. This can lead to injury.
There is no sense in having rules if you dont enforce them. Although his career as a Cyclone is over, we wish this player the best with whomever he ends up with in the future. His spot have already been filled for the Fall.
Thursday, July 28
EXERCISES
WEEKS 2-3 # 1- Warm up by stretching and then by jogging 30 yards -3 times
Sprint 20 yards 3 times (10 sec rest)
Sprint 40 yards 3 times (15 sec rest)
Sprint 60 yards 2 times (20 sec rest)
Sprint 80 yards - 2 times (30 sec rest)
Run backwards 20 yards 2 times
Run backwards 40 yards 2 times
Do 60 crunch-sit-ups with knees bent
Do 2 sets of 12 sec. Holds of superman (no arch in your back)
Do 25 trunk twists to each side-use a 6 or 8 lb. medicine ball or 10 lb. weight
PITCHERS- MWF-
Jog at 50% speed ½ mile
Run at 75%speed 100 yards 6 times
Run at 75% speed 150 yards thrice
Do 2 sets of 40 crunch sit-ups with knees bent
Do 2 sets of 15 second holds at superman (no arch in your back)
Do 25 trunk twists to each side with a 6-8 lb. Medicine ball or equivalent
ALL PLAYERS-
Do the full set of Job exercises (rotator cuff) with 10 reps.for each exercise-use either of 3 lb. dumbbell or equivalent or with bands at least 5 days per week. Long toss at least 3 times per week as follows:
30 feet - 6 throws
60 feet - 6 throws
90 feet - 6 throws
120 feet - 6 throws
150 feet 4 throws
180 feet 4 throws
200 feet - 4 throws
180 feet - 4 throws
150 feet 4 throws
120 feet 6 throws
90 feet 6 throws
60 feet 8 throws
Tuesday, October 4
CYCLONES LONG TOSS PROGRAM
CYCLONES LONG TOSS PROGRAM
The Long Toss Program utilized by Coach Koontz and the Cyclones for the last 10 years has yielded great success for our pitchers. In the most recent edition of Collegiate Baseball, the long-toss program utilized by Coach Tony Rasmus at the 2005 Eastern Sports National Champion High School, Russell County High School was featured. Due to that teams success and the remarkable velocity jumps of its pitchers. Rasmus started utilizing his program in 2002. It is remarkably similar, in fact almost identical, to that used by Coach Koontz and the Cyclones for the last 10 years.
You can get great results from long toss and conditioning without the gimmicks being advocated by many in the coaching profession today. The program utilized by the Cyclones also shares many of the characteristics of that utilized by Leo Mazzone with the Atlanta Braves.
Thursday, November 10
CYCLONES HAVE 10 D-1 EARLY SIGNEES
Today's News-Free Press lists 10 area D-1 early signees. What do all of these signees have in common? They are all Cyclones!! Congratulations to all of our early signees, D-1 or otherwise.
Tuesday, December 27
2005 In Review
2005 REVIEW
It was another special year for the Cyclones in many, many ways. The program has reached the national elite level. We were 65-12-1 in 2004 at the 18U age group.. We won 10 tournaments and finished 2nd in 4 others in 2004. We beat the 2004 Summer Perfect Game and 2004 CABA National Champion, South Carolina Diamond Devils in 2004. In 2005, the 18Us won the SCS Championship and came out of Pool Play at Perfect Game as the #4 seed and made it to the round of 16 before 3 of out best had to return to the Collegiate team . Our Fall team went 28-6 tying the Fall record for wins. Over the last 4 years, the 18U own a winning record against Dulins Dodgers, the Yard, are undefeated against the S.C. Diamond Devils and have won the vast majority of its games against East Cobb teams. We own a winning record at the 18U level for the last 4 years against every team we have played more than once. The Fall record for the last 3 years is 82-15-1 and the Summer record is 99-29 for an overall record of 181-44-1for the last 3 years.
Our collegiate team has made it to the Stan Musial Regionals the last 2 years and we were within 3 outs of the World Series in 2005 with an overall record of 55-20 over the last 2 years. Several players have gone from the Collegiate team into pro baseball or have moved from junior colleges into top flight four year programs.
Over the last 3 years, we have had 35 players move from our 18U and Collegiate team on to either D-1 Schools or into professional baseball. We are especially proud that we had 10 D-1 early signees this past November, and we had 1 other who turned down a D-1 offer and 2 who turned down top flight D-2 offers early in Charlie Tidwell and Dave Banks. The 2004 and 2005 early signees are as follows:
Kyler Burke Vanderbilt University
Blake Carver Auburn University
Kyle Clayton Kennesaw State
Will Dowdy Arkansas State
Jeremy Frazier Cleveland State Community College
Ryan Fraser Gulf Coast Community College
Tyler Henry University of Kentucky
John Howard Walters State Community College
Brandon Langston East Tennessee State University
Blake McDade Middle Tennessee State Uniersity
Tanner Moore East Tennessee State University
Bart Roark East Tennessee State University
Matt Tanzi Troy University
Wes McIntyre Carson-Newman College
In 2007 there will be, at a minimum, Cyclones playing at 5 different SEC schools: Auburn, Kentucky, Mississippi State, UT and Vanderbilt. In 2006 there will be at a minimum, Cyclones at 4 SEC schools.
Our 17 & Under teams were successful in the Fall and Summer of 2004 and 2005, winning or placing in several tournaments, and they will be very successful again in 2006.
The 2005 Annual Cyclones Award Banquet held this year at Patricks Restaurant was a huge success. Over 140 players, coaches, and parents attended. Coach Bobby Pierce of Troy University and a former All-SEC performer at Alabama was the featured speaker. He struck a chord with those in attendance with his talk about the attributes shared by successful people and players and what college coaches look for. Former Cyclone, Wes Hodges, now an All-American at Georgia Tech and Team USA member; Blake Carver, now signed for 2007 with Auburn; and Bryce Thomas, now in his Senior Year at Carson-Newman, were on hand to personally present the awards named after them. The 2005 award winners with the applicable season in parentheses were as follows:
2005 17U SUMMER AWARDS:
Wes HodgesBest Hitter Award
Will Matthews
Blake Carver Best Pitcher Award
Charlie Tidwell
James Dylan Paris MVP Award
Matthews and Jeremy Frazier
Bryce Thomas Most Improved Award
Blake Elrod
2005 FALL 17U AWARDS:
James Dylan Paris MVP Award
Gray Hutchinson
Bryce Thomas Most Improved Award
Chris Holloway
Blake Carver Best Pitcher Award
Blake Elrod
Wes Hodges Best Hitter Award
Isaac Edmonds
2005 18U FALL AWARDS:
James Dylan ParisMVP Award
Tanner Moore-.485-B.A, 29 rbis, 24 runs, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR
David Mead Most Improved Award
Chad Fromm and Dylan Craig Consummate Team Player Award
Kyle Clayton
Most Runs Produced
Tanner Moore- 29 rbis, 24 runs, Total Runs Produced -53
Highest Batting Average
Tanner Moore - .495
Lowest ERA
Wes McIntyre 1.21 E.R.A.
Most Wins
Tyler Henry 6 wins
2005 18U SUMMER AWARDS:
James Dylan Paris MVP Award
Kyler Burke and Jonathan King
Consummate Team Player Award
Tanner Moore and Matt Tanzi
David Mead Most Improved Award
Charles Williams
Best Hitter Award
Blake McDade
Best Pitcher Award
Kyle Clayton
Look for information on 2006 to be posted soon as the 2006 Preview.
Wednesday, December 28
Former Cyclones Named All-American !!
HODGES NAMED ALL-AMERICAN
Former Cyclone Wes Hodges has been named pre-season Louisville Slugger 1st team All-American by Collegiate Baseball. Hodges was a speaker and award presenter at the 2004 and 2005 banquet. Congratulations to Wes!
HARGIS NAMED ALL-AMERICAN
Former Collegiate Cyclone Chuck Hargis has been named a pre-season Louisville Slugger 3rd team All-American by Collegiate Baseball. Congratulations, Chuck!
Tuesday, January 3
CYCLONES PROMINENT IN 2006 COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PRE-SEASON PREVIEW
CYCLONES PROMINENT IN 2006 COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PRE-SEASON PREVIEW
You already know that former Cyclones Wes Hodges and Chuck Hargis were Pre-Season D-I All Americans but many other Cyclones are prominently mentioned in the Collegiate Baseball 2006 College Preview. Matt Ray of Central Florida is listed as a Conference USA player to watch, Embry Riddles David Timm and Lees Jon Kirby are NAIA Pre-Season All-Americans, and Matt Brooks, Andrew Sharer, Daniel Howard and Craig Trent were listed as top returnees for Lee, while Travis Simmons was listed among the top newcomers for the Pre-Season # 5 team in NAIA.
At the D-II level Justin Higdon was listed as a top newcomer; and at the junior college level Walters States Blake Carver was listed among the 17 left-handed pitchers from across the country to watch.
It is anticipated that several Cyclones will be among Collegiate Baseballs top Tennessee high school players to watch when the high school Pre-Season Preview of Collegiate Baseball comes out in 2 weeks.
Thursday, January 19
UCF's RAY NAMED TO CONF. USA PRE-SEASON PLAYERS TO WATCH
UCFS RAY NAMED TO CONF. USA PRE-SEASON PLAYERS TO WATCH
Matt Ray, a Cyclone and Collegiate Cyclone for 4 years has been named as on of the 18 position players I Conference set to watch by Conference Coaches, the equivalent of the pre-season All-Conference Team. Ray is a junior at University of Central Florida. UCFs website has the following to say about Matt heading into his junior year:
On Ray: Switch hitting middle infielder who is primed for a breakout season
made the switch form second to third base in the fall and played brilliantly at the hot corner
versatile infielder who can play second, third,and shortshop
UCFs leadoff hitter who is a threat to steal at any time
one of the fastest players on the team
has a strong arm and great range
enters the season 10th in UCF history with 53 career stolen bases.
Matt first played 3rd base this Summer as a Collegiate Cyclone, and by the end of the Summer was outstanding offensively at the hot corner.
Monday, January 23
BASEBALL AMERICA NAMES CYCLONES AS PRE-SEASON STALWARTS
BASEBALL AMERICA NAMES CYCLONES AS PRE-SEASON STALWARTS
Baseball America (BA) has named Wes Hodges 1st team Pre-Season All-American and Myles Ervin as Pre-Season Sunbelt Freshman of the year. Embry-Riddles David Timm and Lees Jon Kirby were named Pre-Season NAIA First team All-Americans. Hodges was named the 10th best college draft prospect for the 2006 June draft. Coach Koontz believes Wes will go in the top 4-7 picks if he stays healthy this season. Check soon for Pre-Season high school All-Americans and standouts for both Collegiate Baseball (CB) and BA.
Tuesday, January 24
FORMER COLLEGIATE CYCLONE TEAFORD NAMED BY BA AS PRE-SEASON SOUTHERN CONFERENCE PITCHER OF THE YEAR
FORMER COLLEGIATE CYCLONE TEAFORD NAMED BY BA AS PRE-SEASON SOUTHERN CONFERENCE PITCHER OF THE YEAR.
Former Collegiate Cyclone Everett Teaford (LHP) has been named pre-season pitcher of the year in the Southern Conference by Baseball America.
Monday, January 30
COACH PARIS IS NOW A DEVIL RAY!
COACH PARIS IS NOW A DEVIL RAY!
Coach Paris has signed a contract to be an associate scout with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays working with Area Supervisor Brad Matthews. Coach Paris joins Coach Langston (Marlins) in the scouting ranks giving all Cyclones players and RBA attendees constant access to Scouts eyes. In addition, all of our SCS players will also be seen on a regular basis in the Summer and Fall by Mariners area supervisor Alvin Rittman (Memphis APAK) and Birmingham Baseballs Coach R.L. Langston who will likely be accepting a Braves associate scouting job in the very near future.
Friday, April 7
EXPLANATION OF PROJECTIONS AND CHOICES ON PLAYERS
EXPLANATION OF PROJECTIONS AND CHOICES ON PLAYERS
We felt it would be informative to provide an explanation of how the sites projections are determined and why we recruit who we do.
First of all, these are the projections of Coach Koontz. He consults with the other coaches, as well as relies on input from college coaches and professional scouts, but the opinions are his and the buck stops at him.
Second, the projections are based on play exhibited by players while a Cyclone against the higher levels of competition faced. These projections are based on what is accomplished using wood bats on college or professional fields with their larger outfields, larger foul territories, usually better playing surfaces, usually better lights for night games, usually better mounds, etc. Thus, these projections have nothing to do with how a person does in the spring or even who plays in the spring.
Third, these projections are for what a player is expected to be as a senior in May or June of their senior year not now.
Fourth, we can not control who a high school coach decides to play or not to play, what position a player plays in high school, what position he hits in the order, whether speed players are utilized as such, how many pitchers a pitcher throws in a game, how often he pitches, what his bullpens are or how often etc. This is not a criticism of high school coaches as their jobs are difficult, they have limited funding and a limited number of players to work with and they often need to play a player out of his best potential future position to better their team. We get to pick our players and can therefore have the luxury of handling our teams much more like a college or lower level professional team might. As an example, the vast majority of our pitchers work solely on improving as pitchers, a luxury many dont have in the spring. This is one of the reasons we carry so many players and one of the reasons our pitchers tend to have a lot of success.
Fifth, many players mature more quickly than others. Over the years, I have seen many local star sophomores, for example, peak at that stage, and some actually regress. Being able to identify those who are most likely to get better and those who possibly wont isnt an exact science, but after years of doing it you can usually tell.
Sixth, only those players who are coachable, have a good attitude, who have self discipline and a good work ethic can reasonably be expected to reach their full physical and baseball potential. This is a factor in projection. Certainly these are the players we try to identify and recruit and who continue in our program.
Lastly, our program definitely is not for everyone. We have never said it is. We have had success helping young men go on to college and professional careers with a certain type of person and player. We demand a lot of our players and expect them to give as much commitment to us as we do to them. Not everyone is capable of, or willing, for various reasons, to do this. Colleges have come to expect a certain type of player and person when they recruit our players and we do our best to provide what is expected. Does this mean that we believe the players we dont recruit or who dont stick with us to be inferior or bad people or players? Absolutely not. It just means they arent fitted for our program and could perhaps be better developed and a better fit elsewhere.
Tuesday, April 18
BURKE NAMED TO 2006 ALL-AMERICAN GAME
BURKE NAMED TO 2006 ALL-AMERICAN GAME
Kyler Burke has been named to the 2006 All-American Baseball Game Roster to be played June 7th in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Selection Team will stop in Chattanooga at Ooltewah H.S. tomorrow afternoon to present Kyler his game jersey, hat and award. Thanks to Kevin Burke and Chattanooga Baseball.com for bringing this to our attention immediately. Congratulations, K.B.!!
Friday, May 5
STONE COMMITS TO UT
STONE COMMITS TO UT
Walters States Zane Stone has committed to continue his baseball and academic career at UT. Zane was also recruited by ETSU as well as several D-II and NAIA schools. He will join fellow Cyclones Ryan Jones and Iziah Newson as Vols. Congratulations, Zane!
Friday, May 5
2005 CYCLONES COMMITTED FOR THE 2007 SEASON
2005 CYCLONES COMMITTED FOR 2007 SEASON
The following is a list of Cyclones from the 2005 Summer and /or Fall teams committed to the schools for the 07 Spring season::
Michael Brown Carson-Newman College
Kyler Burke Vanderbilt University
Blake Carver Auburn University
Kyle Clayton Kennesaw State
Will Dowdy Arkansas State
Ryan Fraser Gulf Coast Community College
Jeremy Frazier Cleveland State Community College
Zeb Heidt Spartanburg Methodist
Tyler Henry University of Kentucky
Pat Jones Chattanooga State Technical Community College
Brandon Langston East Tennessee State University
Blake McDade Middle Tennessee State University
Wes McIntyre Carson-Newman College
Tanner Moore East Tennessee State University
Adam Ray Walters State
Bart Roark East Tennessee State University
Zane Stone University of Tennessee
Matt Tanzi Troy University
Zack Woods Walters State
Others are being recruited and/or have offers they are considering such as Charlie Tidwell, John Howard and Andrew Hennen.
Thursday, May 11
LEE'S SHAVER IS NAIA RETION XIII PLAYER OF THE YEAR/ C-BEAR CONTINUES TO GET OUTS
LEES SHAVER IS NAIA REGION XIII PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Lees Andrew Shaver is adding to his 2006 accolades almost weekly. This week he was named NAIA Region XIII Player of the Year. Joining him on the All-Region team is Lee pitcher, Jon Kirby. Shaver will play again on the Collegiate Cyclones in the Summer of 2006.
C-BEAR CONTINUES TO GET OUTS
Lipscombs Charles C-Bear Williams continues to pile up impressive stats off the mound. Charles gave up a run Tuesday in 4 innings to Austin-Peay. He has now pitched 52 2/3 innings and has a 2.73 E.R.A. He is on the Collegiate Cyclones Red (Paris) team this Summer.
Thursday, May 25
DRAFT UPDATE 5-25-06
DRAFT UPDATE 5-25-06
Confirming the scout-buzz, Baseball America has now moved Kyler Burke to the #32 prospect for the impending draft and Wes Hodges to #52. Troys Mike Felix now appears in the #94 spot and Cory Rasmuss who hit 96 against us this fall at Troy-appears at #91. We still think Wes will go much higher than #52 becoming a bargain for a team that drafts based on more than pure tools. A full update on the Cyclones draft prospects will be posted next week.
Friday, May 26
PITCH COUNTS AND REST-OPINION 5-26-06
PITCH COUNTS AND REST-OPINION
I have read 2 recent newspaper articles where local area coaches have tried to justify throwing 17 and 18 year old high school pitchers on one, two and even no days rest after pitch counts of 80-100 pitches. In our opinion, there is no valid justification under my scenario for allowing this in high school baseball with a pitcher who has the desire and ability to throw beyond high school. It does not matter how good of a shape a player is in or how much he has conditioned or how bad he wants to win one for the team, - the human body was not made, without substantial risk of injury, for this type of pitching no matter what your age or how much you have conditioned. One recent article even suggested that Leo Mazzone has his pitchers throw a lot, as if that somehow justifies having a high school player pitch 200 pitches in 2 days. Bull _ _ _ t! Leo Mazzones starting pitchers never throw at max effort on back to back days. They throw long, they do short-pens, they do touch and feel pens in between starts, but not at maximum effort- under game conditions with 200 pitches in 2 or 3 days. Aside from this, you absolutely cannot expect a 17-18 year olds body to take the stress and strain that a 25-30 year old pro athlete can. WE URGE OUR PITCHERS TO NEVER, EVER VOLUNTEER OR LET ANY COACH TALK YOU INTO DOING THIS IF YOU EXPECT TO STAY INJURY FREE AND TO GET BETTER.
THE STRESS OF DOING THIS EVEN IF JUST ONCE may not show up for weeks, months or even years. Once the rotator cuff muscles get stretched by over use such as that described above, a looseness will develop in your shoulder which will continue to progressively get worse-sometimes rapidly, and sometimes slowly, depending on your body, how much damage was done initially, how much you use your arm thereafter, and your mechanics. As just one example, Kerry Wood was over pitched the last week of his high school career throwing several high pitch counts in that week. Many believe that all 3 of his surgeries in pro ball were caused, at least in part, by that 1 week. Pitchers can get hurt under optimal conditions when everything has been done to protect them because throwing a baseball is not a natural motion for the human body. We ask that none of our pitchers ever put themselves at risk for ending their careers by throwing 200 or 300 pitches in a week, much less within 2 or 3 days. We also urge our parents to protect their young men from placing themselves at such high risk for injury.
Tuesday, June 13
DRAFT RECAP 6-13-06
DRAFT RECAP 6-13-06
As generally projected, Kyler Burke went at # 35 overall to San Diego and Wes Hodges went at #69 overall to the Cleveland Indians. ETSUs Chuck Hargis went in the 23rd round to the Indians, Lees Jon Kirby in the 31st round to the Padres and Ryan Fraser was taken by the Devil Rays in the 49th round.
Kyler has just about completed his deal and will travel to San Diego to take BP with the Major League Club tomorrow before going to the Arizona Rookie League. Good luck, Kyler!
Thursday, June 15
BOGGS CARRIES PERFECT GAME INTO 9TH 6-15-06
BOGGS CARRIES PERFECT GAME INTO 9TH
Former Chattanooga Cyclone and Dalton High School standout, Mitchell Boggs, carried a perfect game into the 9th inning for the Palm Beach Cardinals against the Jupiter Hammerheads in the Florida State League Wednesday night. He ended up giving up 1 soft single in the 9th inning. He struck out 11 and improved to 5-3 on the year.. Former Cyclone and Cleveland High standout, Jared Gaston, had just been called up to the Jupiter team from Greensboro, but did not play. Boggs and Gaston were teammates on the summer of 2003 Collegiate Cyclones team.
Friday, July 14
CYCLONES 18U ADVANCE TO CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF ROUND ON SATURDAY 7-15-06
CYCLONES 18U ADVANCE TO CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF ROUND ON SATURDAY,JULY 15TH
The Cyclones 18U team improved to 4-1 at the Perfect Game 18 and under World Wood Bat National Championship in Marietta, Georgia in the championship rounds starting Saturday. The tournament started with 120 of the top teams in the country and with only 40 teams advancing to Championship play. The Cyclones made it to the round of 16 last year. They previously won a thrilling and gutty 2-1 win over the 2005 3rd place Louisiansa All-Stars. The Cyclones got a tremendous pitching effort from Tyler Henry who pitched a complete game on 80 pitches striking out 9. The Cyclones scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning in a very well-played game by both teams. Blake McDade worked a walk to lead off the 7th which was followed by bunt singles by Michael Brown and Bart Roark, a pinch hit 2 strike single by Andrew Hennen and a game winning single by Dave Right-on Banks. Adam Ray played extremely well at shortstop defensively and Will Dowdy had 2 hits.
On Monday, the Cyclones defeated the Charlotte Express 7-2 behind Kyle Clayton and John Howard. Hitting stars were Matt Tanzi, Blake McDade and Michael Brown.
On Wednesday, they lost 5-1 to the defending Champion Florida Bombers with Adam Ray driving in the lone run. On Thursday, the Cyclones defeated the Strikers Baseball Club 4-1 with Brandon Farrow and John Howard combining for the win. Michael Brown and Bart Roark each had one rbi and Tanner Moore had a 2 rbi single.
On Friday, the Cyclones defeated the Team Connecticut Baseball Club 3-2 with Jeremy Frazier earning the win with relief help from Charlie Tidwell. Dylan Craig made a game-saving diving catch at the base of the centerfield wall to preserve the win. Michael Brown had a hit, run and rbi as well as a run-saving diving catch. The Cyclones now advance to the Championship Playoff Round commencing Saturday.
Monday, July 17
18U CYCLONES FINISH IN TOP 16 AT WWB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2ND STRAIGHT YEAR
18U CYCLONES FINISH IN TOP 16 AT WWB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2ND STRAIGHT YEAR
The 18U Chattanooga Cyclones made it to the last 16 teams at the World Wood Bat Association 18U Division National Championships in Marietta, Georgia involving 120 of the top teams in the country for the second year in a row despite being hampered by injuries to Blake McDade and Will Dowdy which kept them out of the lineup in Saturdays playoff rounds. The Cyclones had gone 4-1 in pool play to advance to the playoff rounds The Cyclones defeated the number 10 seeded Kentucky Baseball Club 7-3 with Kyle Clayton earing the win with relief help from Ryan Fraser. Tanner Moore had a grand-slam homer and Matt Tanzi had 2 hits , a rbi and run scored, Dave Banks doubled and scored and Zack Woods had a hit and scored twice.
In the round of 16, the Cyclones stranded 6 base runners in a 1-0 loss to the #7 seeded Yard 18 under. Tyler Henry pitched brilliantly yielding the lone run with 2 outs in the seventh inning on a double and bloop single. Matt Tanzi doubled and Dylan Craig had 2 hits. The only other team to defeat the Cyclones in the tournament, the Florida Bombers, won the championship game 5-2 over the Florida Magic on Sunday. The Cyclones pitching staff of Tyler Henry, Kyle Clayton, Ryan Fraser, Jeremy Frazier, Josh Barrett, Brandon Siltz, Wes McIntyre, Charlie Tidwell, John Howard and Brandon Farrow yielded only 12 earned runs in the 7 games played.
Monday, July 31
COLLEGIATE CHATTANOOGA CYCLONES (KOONTZ) ADVANCE TO STAN MUSIAL REGIONAL FOR 3RD STRAIGHT YEAR
COLLEGIATE CHATTANOOGA CYCLONES (KOONTZ) ADVANCE TO STAN MUSIAL REGIONAL FOR 3RD STRAIGHT YEAR
The Chattanooga Cyclones Collegiate (Koontz) team is advancing to the American Amateur Baseball Congress Stan Musial Southeastern Regional for the 3rd straight year. The Cyclones (22-5) earned A berth and first round bye in the AABC Georgia State Tournament held in Atlanta last week by winning the Georgia Wooden Bat League regular season Championship.
The Cyclones finished as Co-State Champions tied with the Rockdale As after losing 2-1 to the Athens Pirates and then defeating the Douglasville Bulls 10-3, the Chattanooga Collegiate Cyclones (Paris) 5-1 and the Atlanta Astros 10-6. Winning pitchers for the Cyclones were Brandon Langston, Tyler Henry and Dave Mason. Leading hitters were Ian Craze, Tanner Moore, Chris Callaway, Clark Jackson, Travis Simmons, Jeremy Hutsler, Matt Carlo, Bart Roark and Matt Tanzi.
The Collegiate Cyclones (Paris) finished fourth in the tournament receiving outstanding pitching efforts from Kyle Clayton, Ryan Fraser, Wes McIntyre, and Zack Wilbanks.
The Cyclones (Koontz) begin play in St. Peterburg, Florida on Thursday in the Southeast Regional.
Monday, August 7
CYCLONES FINISH SECOND IN STAN MUSIAL SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL 8/7/06
CYCLONES FINISH SECOND IN STAN MUSIAL SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL
The Collegiate Chattanooga Cyclones (Koontz) ( 26-7) finished second in the American Amateur Baseball Congress Stan Musial Southeastern Regional Baseball Tournament for the second straight year in Saint Petersburg, FL at the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Minor League facility.
On Thursday, the Cyclones defeated the Greensboro As 11-1. On Friday, the Cyclones lost 2-0 to the North Palm Beach Sharks and then began a run through the losers bracket defeating the Mobile Mafia 8-1; the Atlanta Athletics 2-0 and the Tampa Elite 9-6. On Sunday in the rain-shortened Championship game, the Cyclones fell to the Tampa Elite 4-1.
During the tournament, the Cyclones received outstanding pitching performances from Jeff Green, Tyler Henry, Dave Mason, Justin Higdon, Brandon Langston, Aaron Simmons, and Daniel Howard. Hitting stars for the Cyclones were Travis Simmons, Matt Carlo, Aaron Simmons, Tanner Moore, Matt Tanzi, Dave Banks, Clark Jackson, Bart Roark, Jeremy Hutsler, Chris Callaway, and Blake McDade. Travis Simmons, Clark Jackson, Tyler Henry and Justin Higdon were named to the All-Tournament Team.
Wednesday, September 20
CYCLONES PHILOSOPHY REDUX
Cyclones Philosophy Redux
A player made a comment this week which made it clear that we might need to remind and clarify for everyone what our philosophy and goals are for player development. The primary thrust of what we try to do is to develop our players to maximize their chances to obtain a significant scholarship at the highest level of college baseball they can play out of high school and to help them obtain the most options available. We also strive to prepare players to make as smooth a transition from high school baseball as possible to college baseball while helping to instill or reinforce the necessary discipline. Obviously, we also try to maximize their exposure to colleges as well.
As such, our primary goal is not to prepare you to be the best high school player at a position your high school may need you at, but you will probably never play in college. It is your high school coaches pre-season job to prepare you for where and what they need from you in the spring, not ours. Having said this, it does not mean that we dont wish you well at a secondary position in high school, or do not want to let you get some reps at practice at secondary positions. We will help in this regard where it doesnt conflict with our program and goals when possible.
As just two (2) examples, Wes Hodges always played 3rd base for us, as we were trying to help him get ready for his college and pro position, although he played shortstop for three (3) years at Baylor. I think everyone would agree it worked out well. Another example, Tyler Henry played several seasons with us and always wanted to hit and play a position until his last two (2) seasons, but we kept him focused on pitching, while also letting him get some limited reps in practice and games where it fit within the overall framework. He was a good high school position player, but his best chance to play at the highest level by far was to concentrate on pitching. It worked out well for him as indicated by his signing with Kentucky and by last fall Tyler saw the wisdom of what we were doing and didnt care whether he played a position or not for us. These are just two (2) of many, many examples.
In short, we try to look at what is best for your development and college/pro-options long term and also how you best fit within the framework of a successful team and our program. We are not focused on trying to help prepare and get you ready for your high school season, but for your career beyond high school. Your high school coaches will concentrate on the former with you during their preseason and season. The college coaches we expose our players to in games arent interested in seeing a player who is primarily a college pitching prospect playing a position while a potential position player prospect they might be interested in is sitting down. One of the reasons we have such a good relationship with so many college programs is because of the approach we take in this regard.
Wednesday, October 11
MCKINNEY WIL BE TERRIER!
MCKINNEY WILL BE TERRIER!
Josh McKinney has committed to accept a very good scholarship offer from D-1, Southern Conference member Wofford. He will join fellow Cyclones Dave Banks there. Congratulations, Josh!
Wednesday, October 11
COLLEGE RECRUITING UPDATE 10-11-06
COLLEGE RECRUITING UPDATE 10-11-06
Chad Fromm has visited Lee, MTSU and Belmont. Zack Driggers has visited Lee and has received a lot of contact from UAH. Both Chad and Zack also have interest form Trevecca. Dave Mason has been offered by ETSU and has a visit upcoming with Arkansas State. Josh McKinney decided to accept a nice offer from Wofford even though Belmont and some others had expressed interest. Ryan Williams performance this past weekend has drawn interest from 2 schools and Steven Pruitt, Taylor Comford, and Andrew Root have elicited some interest based on last weekend. This weekend is a big weekend for our seniors as Carson-Newman has expressed interest in several players and Walters State and ETSU have both indicated they will have someone at least at one game. Summer Cyclone, Tyler Roberts, has offers from Memphis and Tennessee Tech.
Wednesday, October 18
UK'S TYLER HENRY, VANDY'S MINOR AND AUBURN'S THOMPSON AND CARVER 10-19-06
UKS TYLER HENRY, VANDYS MINOR AND AUBURNS THOMPSON AND CARVER
Baseball American on-line recently rated the 2006 recruiting College baseball recruiting classes and had the following to say about # 23 Kentucky and Tyler Henry:
The strength of Kentuckys class is on the mound,
where Henry and Tilford highlight a talented group.
Henry threw under the radar for most of his high
school career before touching 92 with his fastball
this year to complement his plus breaking ball. He
will have the largest immediate impact of Kentucky's
freshman......
Vandys class was rated # 25. Mikie Minor who played 1 fall and appeared at Perfect Game with the Cyclones is a member of that class and Vandys class was described as led by Minor, a projectible left-hander with a mid 80s fastball, excellent change up and advanced feel for pitching.
Auburns recruiting class, including Cyclone Blake Carver, recruited by coordinator, Butch Thompson, was listed as #18. Butch has spoken previously at our banquet and has conducted
pitching clinics at RBA.
Monday, November 6
FINAL WEEKEND REVIEW 11-6-06
FINAL WEEKEND REVIEW
The Koontz team ended their fall 2006 season on a high note going 3-1 at the Charleston Fall Classic. As expected, the team pounded out a lot of runs when switching back to aluminum, scoring 36 runs in their 3 wins and run ruling all 3 opponents. The Cyclones tied an organizational record by drilling 5 straight doubles against Pro Level Sports. In th | |
